I also have Diverticular

Hi Christine, I have had a colonoscopy in the past, about 3 years ago.

But I have just received an appointment for a pre - assessment for another.

Strange I get no other problems apart from the bleeding.

Good luck to you and thanks for the reply.

I think bleeding is quite common and know of people who have needed transfusions but it is worrying. Im going make sure l have a colonoscopy once a year to check fot polyps none foumd 3 weeks ago. Im 67 and live in uk but currently living in cyprus for 2 months been living on salads and fruit and wholegrain crackers instead of bread and feel so much better. Keep me posted as to how you are doing.

Madeline, do you know what they found with the mini camera?

the doctors have told me my bleeds are caused by the pockets that can become infected.

Barry

It was in upper part of her intestine. A slight tear.

Have you got any thoughts about using glycerol suppositories for constipation

I prefer miralax than suppository.

Thank goodness you haven't had any more. 🙏

I have never heard of glycerol suppositories for constipation, I was using some liquid but I gave that up, I thought I nolonger needed it!

No doubt the doctor will put me back on it.

Wow. That sounds terrible and scarey. I hope you continue to feel better. I have had many attacks and they seem to be more severe. My doctor told me after the last one ( I saw a surgeon) to take a fiber supplement every day. I watch what I eat but he says I should eat everything. I still am very careful.

Thank you Madeline.  Mine seem to be getting worse too. The last attack was 12 January since then I have been taking Regucol and I thought that it was doing the trick!  Like you I watch what I eat, I have been eating asparagus lately and am now wondering if it is another item to cross of my menu!

What is Regucol??

Hello, it is strange in that you say you had stomach ache at 5am.

All my 3 bleeds have started around 4am, so I was lucky I was home!

Yes reading the replys to my post everybody seems to be affected differntly. 

It's psyllium husk from Holland and Barrett. My motions tend to be loose and this fibre really helps to bulk them up, it is also very good for constipation.  When I have recovered from this attack I will start taking it again.

It is similar to what I am taking . It is called Metamucil in our country. I started taking it too after I saw the surgeon. Fingers crossed. Were you taking that fiber before your recent attack?

Yes Madeline, I was and I began to hope that it was preventing a further attack, it's so disappointing.  I am due to go to Ireland on Sunday for a 6 day holiday but I still have a fever and don't feel well at all . I am praying that I will be better by then.  My husband is not very sympathetic and says that I should have stayed in hopital longer but I persuaded the doctor to let me go home.  I feel very down.

I know how you feel exactly. I too rushed to come home. I was hoping that starting on fiber would help. It will be a worry but could you get your doctor to fill an antibiotic for you to take with you for peace of mind?

I have cancelled 2 holidays so far due to worrying about a flare up. I am so fed up at the moment I go from diarrhoea to constipation. I have albran on a morning plus a probiotic drink I take a antispasmodic before meals I have cut out most food I enjoy nothing much more I can do. I am see a consultant privately on Friday to see if he can help. I am from the UK. They seam to deal with this horrid DD differently in the US

I already have some anitibiotics from my doctor and the tablets I was given at the hospital finish on Monday.  The trouble is the tablets make me feel ill too, blurry vision, dizzyness headache etc, do they make you feel ill Madelaine?

 

I am in the UK too Susan.  This disease is having a such a negative impact on my life. My Ireland holiday is all paid for as is a very expensive river cruise in July.  As it is I take 3 medications for hypertension, which is controlled, and now with this diverticular disease I have problems getting travel insurance.   My husband and I are semi retired, holidays are really something we enjoy, but now I am scared to plan anything.  It is so deppressing!

Yes they are terrible but they work. I know it takes a long time to recover when the attack is severe so just try to relax. One of my many attacks occurred when we were going on a long cruise . I was so nervous but every morning I drank mint tea and I ate in moderation. I drank warm tea with my meals and I was fine. I think your trip will be fine and maybe just what you need to take your mind off your tummy. Take care and try to be calm. I know it's hard but after so many years living in fear with this horrible disease you learn that if you're going to get an attack it seems there is nothing we can do. Just take the meds and eat crackers , pretzels and broth.🙏🙏??😘

Thank you for your kind words Madeline, it is so comforting to talk to someone who is a fellow sufferer and understands.  xxxx

Hi Lyn

Sorry to hear you are having a bad time at present.  Like you I take 3 medications for hypertension plus Fybogel, aloe vera juice and probiotics for Diverticular Disease which I have had for 16 years.  I only had 3 flares up until last August but since then I have had 3 more and was told after my last CT Scan the disease is now severe, with the possibility of surgery looming.  I have not had any problems getting Travel Insurance, which is through my Bank, although I do have to pay an excess for each condition. 

My last flare was just 10 days before my recent holiday so I was still feeling quite rough, queasy, bloated with the runs.  But this I felt was just the side effects of the medication, and as they wore off, it proved to be the case.  My holiday went fine even though I spent 2 days on a coach for 8+ hours.  I was very careful what I ate, sticking to small portions of bland food.  If you are on a cruise you will have the comfort of knowing the loo is close by, and hopefully as your trip is July you will be feeling very much better by then.

I have been following this forum for 6 months now and have been struck by just how many people report depression as one of the symptoms.  It is certainly not recognised by the medical profession.  Another issue is accepting the length of time it can take to get over a flare, or learning to live with constant niggling issues like pain and fluctuating bowel movements. 

I have learned to modify my diet, get help with things I can no longer do as they cause tummy pain, take sensible precautions when going out, and not letting "fear of what if" stop me from doing things.  I actually find if I go out and do things I forget about or don't even notice the problems and enjoy myself, rather than sit fretting at home, where every niggle and bowel movement seems to become magnified.  Having suffered depression many years ago I learned that this is what works for me.

I hope you are able to enjoy your holiday.

Thank you Felinia, I have had episodes of depression too, recently my very young dog collapsed with congestve heart failure, it was such a shock. He didn't die and is on heart meds but he has at most a year.  I am heartbroken because I love him so much and thought that I would have him for many more years.  This event has caused me to be anxious and depressed and I think that it has played a role in  my diverticulitis.  Sometimes life is so hard.  

Does fybergel help with diarrhoea I have just started it today due to the antispasmodic tablet not helping Thankyou

Hi Lyn

I am so sorry about your dog.  Is he a spaniel, as a friend of mine lost one to heart disease at just 3?  I too am an animal lover having had 5 cats over the years and three of them also had major health issues from a young age (FIP, cancer and IBD).  I think you are right - stress and anxiety does play a role with DD.  My picture is the latest boss of the house, Autumn, who has IBD and rules with a paw of iron!  Please make the most of your time with your dog and cherish the memories.

Hi Susan

It should bulk the stool, but whether it will help with already soft matter I don't know.  I have more of a tendancy towards constipation and it softens me and relieves the constipation.  I'm glad you have gone private, and hope they will be able to give you definitive information and treatment.

Autumn is beautiful.  Rio is a chihuahua and he too is the boss of the house! Your friend must have been devastated losing her dog at such a young age.  It is very hard losing a beloved pet when it has lived its natural lifespan but when they are young it is much worse.  My first attack happened shortly after another of my dogs, Coco was diagnosed with Lymphoma three years ago.  Sadly we lost her a year later, she was only 8 years old.  I am sure that the state of one's mind certainly affects the gut.  I think they call the stomach the second brain.  Our animals give us so much love and pleasure, I couldn't imagine life without them and I am sure the same goes for you. x

 

I have been out for a pub lunch I had a small fish and chips so will see how I get on x